How to Repair a Canvas Bag?

Depending upon the nature of the damage, you can either opt for sewing or fabric repair patches. Both of these approaches are believed to be useful and result-driven. Just make sure you have everything handy before you start repairing your canvas bag.

Sewing

The things you will need:

Sewing kit
Duct tape
Sewing needle
Thread
Scissors

Step 1 – Get Your Canvas Bag Ready

First things first, properly clean the area of your bag that needs fixing. You can do this with the help of a soft brush or a damp cloth. Make sure you don’t use any type of chemical-based detergent as it may fade the color of your bag. Let it dry completely before you start sewing the damage.

Step 2 – Know the Cause of Damage

If it’s just a small tear or hole, you can skip step 3 and move directly to step 4. However, if the tear is in a high-stress area or if it’s difficult to handle, you should follow step 3 to simplify the process.

Step 3 – Reinforce with a Tape

Applying tape is a great way to provide some support, but obviously it’s not going to stick up long term. The tape generally loses its adhesion after some time and you may have to start all over again. That’s why it’s important that you opt for the old-fashioned way of repairing damage. Yes, you got it right. Once you apply a duct tape on the affected area, you should stitch it as well. Use a pair of scissors to get rid of any pieces of loose thread that have been torn away from the canvas. Cut the duct tape to the size required to mask the damaged area. Repeat the same process on the inside.

Step 4 – Stitch

If you haven’t used a duct tape as mentioned in step 3, simply stitch the corners of the damaged canvas with the help of a strong thread. Take one end of the damaged part and carefully push the needle through the inside of your canvas bag and pull off from the other side. Insert the needle into the exterior of the bag on the opposite side of the hole and pull the thread through the canvas. This will form a loop-like stitch. Repeat the process several times until the torn canvas is pulled together. Make sure you stick back the other way multiple times to lock the stitch and trim away the excess thread.

In case, you have opted for step 3, then you may have to apply a straight stitch. Just about a 1/2inch inside one corner of your duct tape, push through the needle from the inside of the canvas. Continue this process and back along the corner. Lock the stitch from the inside and cut off any excess.

Fabric Patches

Fabric repair patches are yet another effective way to fix the damaged canvas bag. These patches come in kits including glued fabric patches. These patches can be simply trimmed and pasted onto the affected area. These patches are a perfect solution for larger and irregular tears that traditional sewing procedure may not fix.

Make sure you invest in a kit containing colored or transparent patches to complement your bag. The kit generally comes with manufacturer’s instructions that you must follow in order to apply patches the right way. Most of the patches can be used at room temperature while some of them may need some extra heat to stick to the fabric. Take the matching patch and trim off its sides with the help of scissors. Use cloth iron to press down the patch onto the tear to mask it completely.

Tips to Consider

Instead of sewing the damaged fabric directly, try to reinforce the tape first as it will ensure accurate results
Make sure you act as soon as possible when you observe a minimal tear or hole in your bag
Stitching works best for small holes and tears only. If there’s a huge tear, make sure you fix the issue with fabric patches to get the best results

Water-resistant and eco-friendly canvas bags are one of the best options especially when you’re on the lookout for a bag that you can use on regular basis. The daily usage may contribute to quick wear and tear that you may need to fix to prevent further damage. Many times, choosing wrong cleaning procedures may also result in tears, holes and overall damage of your bag. Thus, it is also suggested that you should follow proper cleaning techniques to extend the life of your canvas bag.

How to Clean Your Canvas Bag like a Pro

You can either opt for manual cleaning or also choose to wash your canvas bag in the washing machine. Avoid using harsh chemical-based detergents as they can reduce the strength of the fabric and may cause tears and holes if not handled in time. Also, always dry your bag by hanging it on the clothesline instead of using a spinner.

All in all, with the right repair techniques, you can significantly increase the life of your canvas bag. Take hint from this post and repair your damaged canvas bag like a pro. It’s absolutely worth it.

What steps do you follow to repair your damaged canvas bag? Drop your suggestions below as we would love to know about your canvas bag repairing technique.